To iPad or to not iPad

Until retirement, I worked for many years in IT procurement. Although I have no personal stake in the decisions of the LAUSD, their plan to acquire an iPad for each Los Angeles student raised a few red flags.

Was this the result of a competitive procurement? Did the above-retail price make sense? Would there be on-going support and security? Why an iPad?

The only follow-on news I’ve seen was a recent Los Angeles Times column by Steve Lopez, where he identifies other problems with this surprising rush into “consumer high tech.” I think we can expect more news on this topic.

So the Leader’s story that Burbank would not rush into iPads was timely and encouraging. I agree with board member Larry Applebaum’s remarks — infrastructure first — and hope the Burbank school board and its advisers will create a complete and professional plan to implement any next round of technology in Burbank’s schools.

Bob Schmitt
Burbank